A Modern Jewel Box

Discover this authentic mid mod home in Alexandria, Virginia, designed by architect Charles Goodman.

With daring architectural lines and exciting design features, MCM homes tend to draw the eye. When the homeowners of this 1958- build located in the Hollin Hills community contacted Christine A Kelly, AIA, founder and owner of Crafted Architecture LLC, their goal was to return their classic mid mod home to its former glory. “The homeowners wanted to open up and update the interior floor plan as well as restore the exterior façade to its original appearance,” Christine says.

With a flat roof line, walls of windows, a centrally located skylight and a rectangular layout, the home is a gem of MCM style.

Christine preserved the original siding and windows that had not been damaged by the passage of time to give the home an authentic feel. Windows were added to bring in more natural light, and the roof was replaced. “We refurbished the exterior of the home to return it to its original appearance, and we captured the recessed entry and enclosed it within the footprint of the house to enlarge the entry foyer,” she says.

The result is a stunning exterior that pops against the wooded background. “The scale of the house gives it a jewel- box feel— the house really sparkles at night,” she says.

THE DOOR, WITH ITS VIBRANT MCM COLOR, IS ORIGINAL TO THE HOME. “THE FRONT DOOR CREATES A POP OF COLOR REMINISCENT OF THE ’ 50s,” CHRISTINE SAYS. SHE RECOMMENDS USING FEATURES ALREADY PRESENT WHEN RENOVATING A HOME, RATHER THAN REINVENTING THE WHEEL. “STICK TO THE DISTINCTIVE ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS OF MID CENTURY STYLE, WHICH INCLUDE MINIMAL TRIM, CLEAN HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL LINES, SIMPLE COLOR SCHEMES AND NATURAL MATERIALS,” SHE SAYS.